The answer’s an emphatic yes! And here’s some science to back that up: clouds filter out sunlight, but up to 80% of wrinkle-causing UV rays manage to still get through. Plus, UV rays can bounce off clouds and hit your skin directly. Bottom line: you should wear sunscreen on cloudy days.
Fortunately, gone are the days when slathering on SPF left you a hot sticky, white mess. Yes, sunscreens have caught up with our demands to provide light, skin-nourishing formulas that don’t just sun protect but balance skin and actually transform it from within. Look for sunscreens with a cocktail of moisturising (and mattifying) ingredients. Combine that with at least SP 30 and you’ll have a winner on your hands. Check out the top six Nykaa-approved rainy-day sunscreens to keep you looking gorgeous.
10 Best Sunscreen Creams For Monsoon
1. Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day
With a phthalate-free, micro-emulsion formula, this distributes the sunscreen evenly across the skin for a smooth, matte effect without a white cast making it the best sunscreen cream. Meanwhile, the special cocktail of antioxidants, Chamomile, White Tea, Gingko Biloba and Olive Leaf extract to soothe and calm skin.
2. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun 3-in-1 Matte-Look Daily Sunscreen Pa+++ SPF-40
This 3-in-1 sunscreen for Indian skin is a wonder cream; a tinted moisturiser, sun block and skin lightener, all rolled into one. Its fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula is infused with the goodness of Birch, Mallow and Hops extracts that refine pores, mattify skin and reduce oiliness.
3. VLCC Matte Look SPF 30 Sunscreen Gel Crème
This naturally formulated broad-spectrum sunscreen contains extracts of Pineapple, Turmeric, Aloe Vera, Cucumber, Carrot Seed and other skin-loving essentials to nourish it from within. The non-greasy, matte formula glides on your skin for complete UVA and UVB protection, making it the best sunscreen for monsoon. reen for monsoon.
4. Bioderma Photoderm Spot SPF 50
This sun protection cream contains Glabridin, derived from liquorice, to stop skin darkening and pigmentation. Meanwhile, Photoderm SPOT prevents the hyperpigmentation of scars and Cellular Bioprotection™ preserves and stimulates the skin's defences. Again, this is one of the best sunscreens for the rainy season.
5. Sebamed Multiprotect Sun Lotion SPF 50+
This sunscreen for Indian skin provides 98% protection from UVA absorption. Perfume, paraben and alcohol-free, its formula safeguards against sun damage and ageing. Proven to be effective on sun-intolerant skin. Dermatologically tested on very sensitive skin.
6. Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++
This new, improved formula is infused with Rosa Gallica to soothe and calm skin. The oil, fragrance and colourant-free formula is non-comedogenic and contains a unique blend of filters; Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL to guard against long UVA rays.
7. Dr. Sheth's Ceramide & Vitamin C Long-Lasting Sunscreen
This new launch from Dr. Sheth’s stellar range of sunscreens is a perfect example of year-round sunscreens. Its water and sweat-resistant formula gives both UVA and UVB protection with SPF 50 and PA++++ even during heavy monsoon showers. It has enriching skincare properties like Ceramide Complex and vitamin C to strengthen the skin barrier against sun damage as well as reduce spots. Furthermore, it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin.
8. Re'equil Ultra Matte Dry Touch Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA ++++
If you have oily skin and struggle with monsoon humidity, the Re’equil Ultra Matte Dry Touch Sunscreen Gel with SPF 50 is the ultimate choice. It has a silicone base that gives the skin a comfortable velvety dry touch. If you break a sweat or experience a breezy drizzle, you won’t have to worry about any white cast peeking through. The mineral sunscreen formula has zinc oxide and titanium oxide which effectively neutralises harmful infrared rays and prevents early onset photoageing.
9. Earth Rhythm Sunstick SPF 50 Hybrid Sunscreen For Men & Women
If you don’t prefer cream-based sunscreen during the rainy season, consider switching to sunscreen sticks like the hybrid sunscreen stick from Earth Rhythm. Its water-resistant fuss-free application glides on the skin and won’t leave a white residue on the skin. It has both mineral and chemical sunscreen filters to shield the skin from harmful sun rays. Aside from being travel-friendly, this stick sunscreen is also refillable to eliminate the need for buying an entirely new stick.
10. FURR Body Sunscreen Spray With SPF 50 PA+++
Giving your body skin sun protection during the monsoon season is equally important. If you’re put off by greasiness and sweat, we recommend the Furr Body Sunscreen Spray with SPF 50 PA++++. Its clear, invisible formulation is water-resistant, lightweight, and quick-drying to give your skin maximum sun protection sans any uncomfortable greasy feeling. All you have to do is spray the product thirty minutes before sun exposure.
Benefits Of Wearing A Sunscreen During Monsoon
No matter the weather, wearing sunscreen year-round has multiple benefits:
- Optimum protection from UVA and UVB protection: A sunscreen protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. The former is responsible for gradual skin damage like sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and premature ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. The latter causes immediate skin discomforts like sunburns, inflammation, and skin tanning.
- Acts as a moisturiser: There are multiple skin-friendly sunscreen formulations that give a moisturiser-like finish, and have nourishing ingredients. So, if you have oily skin that feels heavy and greasy during the monsoon, you can get away with just applying sunscreen.
- Better skincare performance: When skincare products are exposed to the sun, they get oxidised and increase the skin’s photosensitivity. Applying sunscreen as a last step not only shields the skin but also ensures that the skincare products perform efficiently during the daytime.
How To Choose Sunscreen For Monsoon Season
- Choosing a sunscreen based on skin type makes sure that the formula sits comfortably on the skin while giving long-lasting protection from the sun. Mattifying silicone or gel base will oily skin while a cream or lotion base will suit dry and sensitive skin types.
- A good sunscreen will have both SPF and PA. While SPF (Sun Protection Factor) gives protection against UVB rays, PA (Protection Grade) gives protection against UVA rays.
- The number next to SPF (15, 30, 50) connotes a different percentage of sun protection. Here’s a breakdown:
SPF 15 & PA++ blocks around 93% of the sun's rays
SPF 30 & PA +++ blocks around 97% of the sun's rays
SPF 50 & PA +++/+ blocks around 98% of the sun's rays
SPF 100 & PA +++/+ blocks around 99% of the sun's rays
- Always check if the packaging says ‘broad spectrum’. It means that the sunscreen gives both SPF and PA protection no matter the weather.
- Besides cream and gel-based sunscreens, there are multiple formats of sunscreens you can choose from like sticks, powders, and sprays. You can choose a sunscreen for the monsoon based on skin type and convenience.
How To Apply Sunscreen During Monsoon
- For the face and neck, always apply two fingers worth (1/4th teaspoon) of sunscreen. Don’t forget the ears, too,
- It’s recommended to apply a shot glass worth of sunscreen to cover the body.
- Make sure to apply sunscreen every 2–3 hours if you’re outdoors or engaging in water activities.
- While powder sunscreens are a great way to give mattified sun protection, applying it on its own might not be all that effective. Therefore, always apply a cream or stick sunscreen as a base and set it with a powder sunscreen. This tip works great if you have a combination or oily skin type.
Come rain or shine, sunscreen is a crucial skincare product you shouldn’t skip. Whether it’s SPF in the form of creams or makeup products, we hope you use our guide on how to keep your skin protected from the sun even during the monsoon season.
